Chapter 10

Chapter Ten

Charles

Melody thanked me as she walked me over to the bookstore and typed in the code. It felt good to do something for her.

She turned to walk away, and I reached for her hand, stopping her. “I want a conversation when all this is over. I want dinner.”

She yanked her hand away and glared at me. “Charles, no.”

I let out a dramatic sigh. “Sorry, gentlemen,” I told the people gathered to wait for the bookstore to open. “I’m not going to be able to stay and help out after all.” I started walking away. It was a jerk move, but I wanted dinner with this woman.

One of the men said, “What? We can’t go into the store?”

Another man pulled his coat tighter. “It’s cold out here.”

Melody grabbed my sleeve. “Fine, dinner,” she whispered. “But you have to stay until Gretchen gets back.”

I gave her a little salute. “You got it.” I smiled at the men and held open the door. “Go on in, gentlemen. Melody, I need your number.”

Melody, who’d been stepping through the shop door, paused and turned. “What?”

Maybe this was a silly play, but I was taking it. “Your phone number. In case I need help. Like working the cash register.” I was pretty sure I could figure it out, but I would make sure I got her phone number.

She listed off the digits, and I committed them to memory. I would have celebrated, but now wasn’t the time.

We parted ways, and I followed the men into the bookstore. Christmas music played in the background, creating a festive feel.

I hadn’t been in the bookstore since Gretchen and her husband had taken over. The walls were white, and the bookshelves were gray. It was sleek and modern.

The older men hustled toward the newspaper section of the bookstore. “I wanted you guys to look at this,” one of them told the others.

There was a whole section with couches to sit and read the paper. The men picked up what they wanted and sat in that area.

One of the men called out, “Hey, could we get a couple coffees?”

I turned and saw that behind the counter, there were some refreshments on display—coffee, donuts, and different eclairs and cookies. “Of course.” I hung up my coat on the little hook and immediately set about pouring coffee. The other men said they wanted some too, so I brought each of them a cup.

One of the men said, “Could we all get glazed donuts too, if they have any. Sometimes they don’t have any.”

I wanted to comment that they were probably a little too old to start their glucose levels so high in the morning, but I only smiled. “Of course.”

I put together the donuts on separate plates and took them over. They were engaged in talking about some political thing that was in the newspapers. Looking at the front of the store, I saw that Gretchen and Kent had set up a bunch of children’s candy and toys. Was this a sound business model, generating a lot of income? I didn’t know, but I liked the laid-back feel of this place.

I moved from behind the counter and surveyed the collection of books. There was an adult section with fiction, which included romance, westerns, and nonfiction.

The door opened, and in walked a man, his wife, and a boy who was probably twelve. The father said, “Hi. I’m glad you guys are open. It’s cold out there.”

I pretended like I owned the place. “If you want some hot chocolate, let me know. Or some coffee.” Wait. Was there hot chocolate? I turned to check, and to my relief, there was. “What kind of books do you like?” I aimed my question at the young boy.

He was already headed toward the young adult sci-fi section.

The mother said, “He knows exactly what he wants for Christmas: a box set of books that he saw the other day.”

I grinned, acting like I knew what they were talking about. “Perfect.”

The father cocked an eyebrow. “You weren’t here the other day. Where are Gretchen and Kent?”

“I’m not sure. I’m just covering for a bit.” I didn’t want to say too much. Gretchen probably wouldn’t mind, but it was the attorney inside me. Everything was confidential.

The father nodded and moved toward the nonfiction books. “I’ll take a cup of coffee.”

I poured it for him and brought it over.

He was standing beside the World War II section. “I was just looking, and there’s a lot there.” He took the coffee and gave me a wide grin. “We’re just in town for a couple days. We’re here for the fundraiser for the cancer wing. We thought it would be nice to spend a couple days in a beach town. Not that the weather is great.”

It didn’t feel right to say something like ‘my family is the one that’s funding the whole cancer wing.’ Instead, I said, “That’s nice. This is a great beach town to get away. Even if the temperatures aren’t that great, it’s cozy and perfect for families.”

I had loved coming back here for December while I was growing up. Smiling, I returned to the front of the store. While everyone was busy, I pulled out my phone and typed in Melody’s phone number, creating a contact. I texted her. Where do you want to go tonight for dinner?

I knew she wouldn’t answer right away, so I put the phone down, picked up the little Windex spray and a rag, and began cleaning the glass case.

A text came in about a minute later. I don’t care.

I had to smile. She had always been bitter when I bested her, even when we were young. Don’t worry; I’ve got it covered. What time can you go to dinner?

It didn’t take long before the phone buzzed. The shops don’t close until five.

One of the older gentlemen sauntered back to me and took the liberty of going around the counter and pouring himself more coffee. “If I would care to bet, I would say that you are texting a girl.”

I had to smile. “A lady, but yes.”

He chuckled. “Is it one you like?”

“I feel like I’m fifteen when you say it that way, but yes.”

He grinned and moved back toward his buddies. “You’ve always got to have someone you like in your life. Keeps things interesting.”

“Yes, it does.”

It’d been a long time since I’d been interested in any woman.

Around four-thirty, Gretchen and Kent walked in the back door. “Hello?” Gretchen called out, and then she caught my eye. “Charles? What are you doing here?”

Kent followed. “Charles? It’s good to see you.” He stuck out his hand.

I shook his hand. “Well, I’m covering for you guys. Melody was busy next door. I took over here, and she stayed there.”

Kent lifted his eyebrows. “I like your moves.”

Gretchen swatted his shoulder. “What moves? He’s just being a fellow citizen and helping.”

I chuckled. “Sorry to tell you this, but I did bargain for dinner.”

Gretchen looked puzzled and then laughed. “Nice.”

“How are you guys?” I felt guilty as I remembered I hadn’t spoken to these guys in years.

Gretchen’s expression fell. “Our youngest son, Max, is a sophomore at the high school, and he’s just been getting into trouble. He was caught fighting and was suspended again.”

Kent shook his head and then moved to get himself some coffee. “That boy. I know it’s not just him; there are some other rowdy boys causing problems. They have this stupid rule these days that when anyone fights, everyone gets suspended.”

I frowned. “That’s frustrating.”

“It is.” Gretchen hung up her coat and then grabbed some coffee. “The good thing is it means our son must help in the store. And we won’t need you to cover the next two days.” She flashed a smile.

“I really didn’t mind it. In fact, I like the operation you guys have going here.”

Ken gestured over to where the old men still sat. “I see you have the town wise men over there.”

“I like those guys.”

Kent’s smile widened. “I do too. It seems like I help them solve all the world’s problems every day.”

Gretchen swatted him. “They get him out of a lot of work.”

I smiled at them. “You two look happy. I’m glad I could help.”

Gretchen’s eyebrows lifted. “Well, there’s always time to start stopping by more.” She glanced at the wall that was adjacent to the doll shop. “Especially since you two are both single.”

Kent chugged out a laugh. “My wife is very subtle, isn’t she?”

I laughed too. “I’m trying to take her to dinner tonight, but she’s been tough to talk to. Any suggestions?”

Gretchen steepled her fingers. “Get her talking about her son, Will. But you’re going to have to get her talking without bringing up the fact that he’s not coming for Christmas.”

“Okay.” So that was why she’d shut down the other day. Why wasn’t he coming?

Melody poked her head through the door. Her eyes widened. “Gretchen, Kent, you’re back?”

Kent put his hands on his hips, looking stern. “What kind of yahoo did you have watch our store for us?”

It was clear that Melody wasn’t worried about it. “Just someone off the street.”

Gretchen moved toward her and gave her a hug. “You’ve been busy today?”

“I’ve been slammed. It just died off.” She jerked a thumb toward me. “Did he tell you he blackmailed me into dinner?”

Gretchen and Kent froze, like they didn’t know what they should say.

I was surprised she said it so casually, but I went with it. “Yep.” I moved toward my coat and then walked toward her, putting on a smile. “I did blackmail her, and she must pay up. She doesn’t know where I’m taking her, but it’s a good thing you guys can attest to the fact that I’m not kidnapping her or something.”

They both laughed.

“What’s the status on Max?” Melody asked.

Gretchen shrugged. “Suspended for two days, but he will be off for Christmas break anyway. Now I’ll just have more Christmas help.”

Melody hummed in agreement. “Send him my way if you’re not busy.”

Gretchen winked at her. “I will.”

Melody turned to fully face Kent and Gretchen. “Seriously, do you guys know where he’s taking me?”

Was that excitement in her tone?